Genesee County emergency rooms experience increase in patients as flu season hits

GENESEE COUNTY, MI -- Some area medical centers are reporting more patients are seeking medical care in what appears to be the start of the flu season.

"Since the day after Christmas, the volumes have ... I wouldn't say exploded, but they certainly got incredibly busy," said Dr. Michael Jaggi, chief of emergency medicine at Hurley Medical Center in Flint. "Even Christmas Eve, things were steady and then on the 26th, it lit up."

The patients are reporting symptoms such as muscle aches, nausea and some diarrhea, he said.

Hurley has had a high number of chronically ill patients with these symptoms, resulting in longer than usual waits in the emergency room, Jaggi said.

The flu can be dangerous for individuals who are chronically ill, elderly or very young, he said.

Patients who don't fall into those categories can take care of themselves on their own, said Jaggi, suggesting people take aspirin or Motrin for the aches and stay adequately hydrated.

Parents should also take care to avoid unnecessary exposure of small children and newborns to anyone experiencing symptoms, he said.

An influx in the volume of patients experiencing flu symptoms happens every year, but varies when it takes place, Jaggi said.

"Some years, there are different strains of the virus that show themselves," he said. "It seems the timing of it does change.

"This is not uncommon. It just seems to be picking up right now."

The volume of patients is also up at the emergency room for Genesys Regional Medical Center, although it's not necessarily from the flu, hospital spokesperson Cindy Ficorelli said.

Patients experiencing flu symptoms are trickling in for what appears to be the beginning of the flu season, she said, adding it's not too late to get a flu shot.

The increase in volume may also be due to the fact Christmas was on a Tuesday and many primary care physicians are operating with limited hours, Jaggi said.

Jaggi, who also said people should get a flu shot, said proper hand washing can reduce the risk of becoming ill.

"You can't stress enough the importance of proper hand hygiene, the washing of the hands, and that goes for all ages," 'he said. "It's without a doubt one of the most effective ways to not only prevent yourself from getting sick, but from spreading viruses."

Officials at McLaren Flint medical center could not be reached for comment.